The Champagne Getaway

Arrive at your hotel in Reims during the afternoon. At reception you will find your roadbook, maps and practical information for the week. Settle in and enjoy your first evening in the city.

Example hotel: Grand hôtel Continental ****

After breakfast start riding towards Épernay. The route leads through the vineyard villages of the Montagne de Reims including Mailly Champagne, Verzenay and Bouzy. Continue across gently rolling hills and arrive in Châlons-en-Champagne, a medieval city known for its half-timbered houses and peaceful river curling around the centre. Overnight in Châlons en Champagne.

Enjoy a short and easy ride beside the Marne Canal. You reach Épernay early in the afternoon giving you time to explore the capital of Champagne wines. This is a good moment to visit some of the region’s most impressive cellars. Overnight in Épernay.

Example accommodation: Parva Domus (Guest house)

Follow small lanes between vines and steep hillsides as you ride the Marne Valley Champagne Trail. The views across the valley are superb throughout the day. Your route passes through Hautvillers, a pretty village famous for its Benedictine abbey. Continue to Cumières where you might stop for lunch in a restaurant carved into the chalk. Ride on towards Venteuil with a view of Château de Boursault then continue through villages among vines, fields and forest to Reuil. Return to Épernay on the opposite bank of the Marne.

Today’s ride explores the Côte des Blancs, home of the Chardonnay grape. Follow the Champagne Tourist Trail towards Pierry where you can visit its eighteenth century château, storeroom and cellars. Nearby is Chavot Courcourt church, a twelfth century landmark standing alone among the vines. Continue through Cuis with its Romanesque church then ride close to the cliffs to reach Cramant and its eight and a half metre Champagne bottle. A short distance away lies Avize, decorated with colourful frescoes. Return to Épernay through Aÿ Champagne where the wine museum Pressoria offers a thoughtful introduction to the world of Champagne. Overnight in Épernay.

Example accommodation: Parva Domus (Guest house)

After breakfast begin your final ride through the national forest of Hautvillers and a string of wine villages including Nanteuil la Forêt, Pourcy, Écueil, Sacy and Bezannes. The approach to Reims is now easier thanks to an improved cycle path that guides you safely into the city. Overnight in Reims.